I used large-scale pixelated hearts like these on the backs of several quilts that I made during 2014, and I thought it would be fun to share how you can make one too.
The Pixel Heart pattern includes instructions for making Large (28-1/2" x 24") and Gigantic (85-1/2" x 72") hearts. Both sizes can be made with scraps and/or 5" x 5" charm squares. The Large version uses 2" squares, 4 of which can be cut from a single charm square. The Gigantic version uses 5" x 5" squares.
Based on the feedback I got on Instagram (i.e. that most people wanted to use this as a quilt top instead of a quilt back) I wrote the pattern so that each heart has a simple border made from the background fabric. Don't hesitate to stray from this, as I did when making the hearts for my quilt backs. The pattern includes the dimensions of just the heart without borders, so you can add additional border/background fabric as appropriate for your particular project. If you want to float a block on a quilt top or back, you may find some of the information in this post helpful.
The Gigantic Hearts shown at the top of this post are actually the back of my Pointy Quilt. If you want to use a Gigantic Heart on the back of a large Pointy Quilt, like I did, ignore the Vertical and Horizontal Border instructions in the Pixel Hearts pattern and, instead, sew 2 pieces 12-1/2" x 76-1/2" each to the top and bottom of a Gigantic Heart.
This is a photo I took while I was making a Large Heart block. You can see that I've pressed all my seams open, and that I've pinned through each set of matching seam allowances, making sure each pin goes through both sides of the seam allowance on both the top and bottom.
I'm right handed, but have always preferred to pin in this direction, as I find it much easier to match open-pressed seams. It's also easier to take pins out at the last second when using my seam guide (that metal thing that's screwed into my machine). I love my seam guide and definitely recommend it for anyone using a straight stitch machine like my Janome 1600p!
When pressing so many open-pressed seams, it can be easy for the seam allowances on the bottom to get pulled to the side. If you're having trouble with this, I recommend getting in the habit of lifting your patchwork slightly just before it gets to the needle. If the seam allowances aren't laying right, nudge them back into place before sewing over the seam.